Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

~Hebrews 11:1 NIV

I’m at a point in my journey with God where I need to expand my understanding of a certain word I profess to Him. That word is “faith.”

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As with any relationship, it takes effort to make it strong and watch it grow. It’s not a one-sided deal where all I do is pray and expect God to answer. I need to seek His will. I can do this by reading His Word, praying, journaling, and talking to Him. In doing these things, my faith grows, and I progressively get more understanding.

In the New King James version of the Bible, faith is mentioned 336 times. Is it any wonder why I want a deeper meaning? It seems important enough to be mentioned that many times. Romans 10:17 NKJV reads, “So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” Reading the Bible releases faith. The more I read, the more faith I receive. There is no other place to gain that type of growth.

Recently in church, I saw a lady raising her hands up towards Heaven in worship. That’s when a new revelation came to me. What do little children do to their parents? They lift their hands to their parents for a reason. To receive a cookie, or because they’re scared, or sometimes they want to be picked up. When my daughter was little, she would hold up her hands for me to take off her dirty clothes and put on clean clothes. Whatever the reason, children put their faith in their parents, knowing they will receive something good. It is the same for me. I lift my hands to God because He is my Father. I’ll lift my hands when I’m scared or when I have a need. And like a child, I lift my hands for Him to take off my sinful clothing and put on me the robe of righteousness. But most importantly, I lift my hands in reverence of His Sovereignty. Faith is always a precursor to worship.

And without faith, it is impossible to please God.

~Hebrews 11:6a NIV

Have your parents ever told you they have always had faith in you? Or perhaps someone mentioned they had faith you could do this or succeed in that? These people had faith before the outcome ever appeared. Daily, people put their faith in so many other things. Things like their car starting in the morning, receiving a paycheck weekly, or being able to buy groceries. Why then is it harder to put our faith in God, the Creator of all things seen and unseen? Since putting faith in God pleases Him, He releases His promises into our lives as we do. That’s a huge trade-off.

For we walk by faith, not by sight.

~2 Corinthians 5:7 ESV

I’ll admit there are times when I struggle in my faith. Especially in tough times, when it feels as though God has taken a step back and left me on my own, I find myself doubting. If I don’t get myself back into reading the Bible, my mind fills with dreadful lies. Lies like God doesn’t care about me or lies that God has abandoned me. The longer I let those lies fester in my mind, the bigger they become. Renewing my mind in God’s Word is the only way to combat those lies and bring my faith back to God. The one promise I use most in these circumstances is Hebrews 13:5b ESV. God has said, “I will never leave you; nor forsake you.” And by faith, I know this to be true. It’s God’s promise to me and to all of us. Friend, He is with you, He cares, and He will never abandon you.

I believe in God. I believe in Jesus Christ’s finished work on the cross. I believe the Word of God is true. By faith, I am trusting in and for the things I do not see, for the things I do not have but dream about, and for the promise of eternal life. And God who is faithful will bring all things to be manifest according to His will.

Are you ready to grow your faith in God?

Father God, I would like to grow my faith in You, but I need Your help. Show me the way.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2021: Growing Your Faith: Sandra Stein: All Rights Reserved